Unearth The Voyage
Georgia offers a culinary landscape as rich and diverse as its history. From historic mansions transformed into dining destinations to roadside BBQ joints that have locals lining up for hours, the Peach State knows how to serve up memorable meals. These nine restaurants stand out not just for their mouthwatering food but also for the unique atmospheres that make dining an experience rather than just a meal.
The Olde Pink House — Savannah’s Georgian Gem
An 18th-century mansion painted in its signature blush hue houses one of Savannah’s most beloved culinary landmarks. Candlelit rooms with ornate fireplaces and period furnishings transport diners to a bygone era while they savor sophisticated Southern cuisine.
The crispy scored flounder has earned legendary status among regulars, while the skillet cornbread arrives sizzling hot with a honey-herb butter that melts on contact. After dinner, slip downstairs to the tavern where live piano music fills the arched cellar space.
What makes this place magical isn’t just the ghost stories (though there are plenty) but the seamless blend of historical elegance and genuine Southern hospitality that has endured for centuries.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room — Atlanta’s Southern Time Capsule
Step through the doors of this Atlanta institution and you’re walking into a living museum of Southern hospitality that’s been serving comfort food since 1945. The walls, adorned with photos of celebrity visitors and vintage memorabilia, tell stories spanning generations of Atlantans who’ve broken bread here.
First-timers receive a complimentary cup of pot likker (the nutritious liquid left from cooking collard greens) with cornbread – an old-school welcome ritual. The fried chicken achieves that perfect balance: crackling exterior giving way to juicy meat beneath.
Servers still jot orders on notepads by hand, and the pencil-written guest book near the entrance holds decades of diner memories. It’s not just a meal; it’s a taste of Atlanta’s soul.
Brochu’s Family Tradition — Savannah’s New Classic
Though relatively new to Savannah’s dining scene, Brochu’s has quickly earned its reputation as a place where tradition meets innovation. Chef Andrew Brochu, with fine dining credentials from Chicago, returned to his Southern roots to create something deeply personal.
The restaurant’s fried chicken – brined for 24 hours and double-dredged – arrives with a shattering crust that locals swear is worth the trip alone. Warm wood tones and family photos create an atmosphere that feels simultaneously polished and lived-in.
What distinguishes Brochu’s is its balance: elevated techniques applied to comfort classics without pretension. Each dish tells a story of Southern foodways, whether it’s the perfectly executed buttermilk biscuits or seasonal seafood straight from Georgia waters.
Southern Soul Barbecue — St. Simons Island’s Smoke Haven
Housed in a converted gas station with weathered wood and metal signs, Southern Soul Barbecue embodies the unpretentious heart of Georgia’s coastal BBQ tradition. Smoke billows from massive oak-fired pits visible from the roadside, acting as an aromatic beacon for hungry travelers.
The brisket, smoked for 14 hours until it reaches that perfect pink smoke ring, practically dissolves on the tongue. Picnic tables scattered across the property fill with a mix of flip-flop-wearing beach-goers and locals who’ve been coming since day one.
Founded by buddies Harrison Sapp and Griffin Bufkin, this island institution proves that sometimes the best culinary experiences happen in the most unassuming places. Their Brunswick stew – a Georgia specialty – might be the best rendition in the state.
The Grey — Savannah’s Art Deco Revival
The 1938 Greyhound bus terminal’s transformation into one of America’s most celebrated restaurants tells a powerful story of preservation and reinvention. The original Art Deco details – terrazzo floors, chrome fixtures, and curved windows – create a dramatic backdrop for Chef Mashama Bailey’s innovative cuisine.
Bailey’s menu honors coastal Georgia’s overlooked food history while introducing contemporary techniques. The foie gras and grits exemplifies her approach: luxurious yet deeply rooted in place. Even the bar, situated where ticketing counters once stood, maintains historical integrity while serving some of Savannah’s finest cocktails.
Winner of multiple James Beard Awards, The Grey represents Southern dining’s evolution – acknowledging complicated histories while moving confidently forward. The restaurant’s very existence in a once-segregated space speaks volumes about reconciliation through food.
Canoe — Atlanta’s Riverside Retreat
Hidden along a verdant stretch of the Chattahoochee River, Canoe feels miles away from Atlanta’s urban hustle despite its city address. The restaurant’s gardens cascade toward the water, creating dining spaces where nature becomes part of the experience.
Seasonal ingredients shine in dishes like the house-smoked salmon with sweet corn, a signature that demonstrates Chef Matthew Basford’s talent for balancing refinement with accessibility. During spring and summer, the outdoor patio becomes one of Atlanta’s most sought-after dining spots, where herons occasionally glide past as you sip your wine.
The historic riverside building, once damaged by flooding, has been lovingly restored multiple times – a testament to its importance in Atlanta’s culinary landscape. Sunday brunch here has become a cherished ritual for generations of Atlantans.
Home Grown GA — Atlanta’s Breakfast Kingdom
“The Comfy” reigns supreme at this unassuming East Atlanta diner – a mountain of fried chicken smothered in peppery white gravy atop a golden biscuit that’s inspired pilgrimages from across the country. Mismatched vintage chairs, local art covering every wall space, and the constant bustle of regulars create an atmosphere that feels authentically lived-in.
Vegetables come from local farms (some grown in their own garden out back), and everything from the corned beef hash to the pimento cheese is made from scratch daily. The “Thrift Store” – a small shop inside selling eclectic treasures – adds to the quirky charm.
Founded by former fine dining chefs Kevin Clark and Lisa Spooner, Home Grown represents Atlanta’s democratic food spirit: exceptional ingredients and technique without an ounce of pretension.
The Chastain — Buckhead’s Neighborhood Treasure
Occupying a historic building that once served as a country store and later a beloved bakery, The Chastain honors its location’s legacy while creating its own. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, highlighting the thoughtful blend of modern elements with preserved architectural details.
Chef Christopher Grossman’s menu reads like a love letter to Georgia producers. The roasted chicken – brined, air-dried, and roasted to golden perfection – exemplifies the restaurant’s philosophy of elevating simple dishes through meticulous technique. Morning visitors can grab house-baked pastries and coffee at the cafe counter.
Adjacent to Chastain Park, the restaurant embraces its role as community gathering spot. Regulars arrive by foot from nearby neighborhoods, creating a genuine sense of place that’s increasingly rare in Atlanta’s high-end dining scene.
Spring — Marietta’s Michelin Marvel
Tucked into Marietta Square, Spring represents the evolution of suburban dining – proof that culinary excellence exists beyond city centers. The restaurant’s minimalist aesthetic – white walls, natural wood, and abundant light – creates a canvas where Chef Brian So’s precisely composed plates become the focal point.
So’s approach favors subtlety over showmanship. The menu changes frequently, but might include delicate Georgia shrimp with Carolina Gold rice or heritage pork with seasonal vegetables, each element treated with reverence. The wine list, curated with the same thoughtfulness, focuses on small producers and unexpected regions.
Despite earning a coveted Michelin star, the restaurant maintains an approachable warmth. Servers know regulars by name, and the open kitchen allows glimpses of the focused team at work, creating an intimate connection between diner and creator.
